Posts Tagged climate change
Politics in the Pub
Worried about the future? Don’t panic. Pour a drink and let’s talk.
Our next Politics in the Pub is on 29 April 6.30pm at the Edinburgh Castle with the topic ‘What Would a Sustainable World Look Like?’
- Would we be living on self sufficient farms, high density urban housing, or caves?
- Will we be working less, or working from home?
- Will we have flying cars that run on our rubbish?
- And most importantly will we have to wear white jumps suits?
Our first Politics in the Pub, held on March 23 was a great success, with new and old faces discussing climate change well into the night. There was plenty of animated discussion after a short presentation on ‘Melbourne in a Warmer World’ by author David Spratt.
Download this pdf for more details CAM_PITP_V1F_1004
Please note that this event has changed dates from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th April.
Add comment April 11, 2010
RET legislation: the fossils cling on for dear life
The renewable energy target bill has now been passed in Parliament, legislating that 20 percent of electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020. The scheme works by compelling electricity retailers to buy electricity from renewable sources.
Investment in electricity from tidal and wave technologies will get a boost, but the geothermal industry is voicing disappointment that no portion of the target was set aside for it. Considering the huge potential of geothermal energy in Australia, this is a kick in the teeth for large scale renewable energy production.
Industry has again put out its hand, demanding yet more government money. Under new concessions demanded by the Coalition, the number of industries to be compensated for higher electricity prices was increased from three to about 40. Once again the government kneels down before the already massively subsidised fossil fuel industry.
Incredibly, electricity from coal seam methane gas – a coal mining waste product – has been classified a renewable energy source and will earn rewards under the scheme. So coal miners are given renewable credits for burning fossil fuels.
While the government will now be patting itself on the back and promoting its green credentials to anyone willing to listen, there is a long, long way to go before Australia is free from the stranglehold of the fossil fuel industry. And a renewable energy target wouldn’t even be necessary if the market was set up to accurately reflect the true cost of carbon emissions. But that day seems a long way off.
Add comment August 24, 2009
NEWS
Solar Rebates Scheme Cancelled
The Federal Government’s solar rebate scheme was abruptly cancelled weeks ahead of schedule because it was too successful. The scheme provided rebates of up to $8,000 for the installation of solar panels.
While the public and the solar industry had been counting on a June 30 deadline, the scheme was cancelled with no industry consultation and very little notice after unexpected demand resulted in a four-fold increase to the program’s budget. Only rebate applications that were sent by midnight 9 June are eligible for assessment.
The program is to be replaced by a solar credits system, which is linked to the government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has confirmed that there will be no rebate for solar panels until the RET scheme passes the Senate, which will be no earlier than August. Anyone who puts panels on their roof can keep the receipt and apply for a new rebate – if and when the scheme passes the Senate.
Add comment July 7, 2009
Special guests, The Wilderness Society, come to CAM.
For our next meeting we’ve invited Wilderness Society campaigners Scott and Amelia to discuss forests and climate change, as well as their plans for the upcoming 350.org international day of action on October 24th. We’ll also have a discussion about the Moreland Climate Group’s plans for our own local actions.
Continue Reading Add comment June 25, 2009
